Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How can I try Pilates for the first time?
The best way to experience Pilates at The Pilates Connexion is through an Evaluation Session. This private introductory appointment allows you to work one-on-one with an instructor, learn about the equipment, discuss your goals, and receive personalized recommendations for future sessions and classes.
What is an Evaluation Session?
An Evaluation Session is a private, one-on-one appointment with one of our instructors. During your session, we'll discuss your goals, review your health history, assess your movement, and introduce you to Pilates equipment and exercises appropriate for your needs.
This session helps us determine the safest and most effective path for your Pilates practice and is required before participating in equipment classes.
What does the New Client Introductory Package include?
Our New Client Introductory Package includes:
• One (1) Evaluation Session
• Three (3) Private Pilates Sessions
See our New Client Intro Package Here
What should I do after completing my Evaluation Session?
Your instructor will discuss recommended next steps based on your goals, experience level, and movement needs. Depending on your readiness, you may continue with private sessions, transition into equipment classes, or combine both for a well-rounded Pilates practice.
How often should I do Pilates?
Consistency is one of the most important factors in seeing progress. Most clients benefit from practicing Pilates 2-3 times per week, though even one session per week can provide noticeable improvements in strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness. Your instructor can help you determine the best schedule based on your goals.
Do I need to be flexible to do Pilates?
Not at all! Many people begin Pilates specifically because they want to improve their flexibility. Pilates meets you where you are and helps you gradually increase mobility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Don't be intimidated! Schedule a one-on-one Evaluation lesson with one of our skilled instructors!
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Pilates is a full-body exercise method designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture, coordination, and body awareness. Regular practice can help develop core strength, improve mobility, support healthy movement patterns, and enhance overall physical performance.
Many clients also find that Pilates helps reduce everyday aches and pains, improves their connection to their body, and makes daily activities feel easier and more comfortable. Because Pilates is adaptable to a wide range of fitness levels, it can be an effective form of exercise for beginners, athletes, and active adults alike.
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
While Pilates is not primarily a weight-loss program, it can be an effective part of a healthy lifestyle by building strength, improving muscle tone, increasing body awareness, and supporting overall fitness. While weight loss varies from person to person and depends on many factors, many clients find that Pilates helps them move better, feel stronger, and develop healthier habits.
What Should I Wear?
Comfortable athletic attire that is not too baggy or contains hard tabs or zippers. These materials would irritate the skin and tear the fabric on our equipment. We also require socks with grips which can be purchased in studio with cash. We sell a variety of styles and colors for both men and women.
About Our Classes & Equipment
What is a Pilates Reformer?
The Reformer is a specialized Pilates apparatus that uses springs, straps, and a moving carriage to provide both support and resistance. It allows for a wide variety of exercises that improve strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and core stability.
What is a Pilates Tower?
The Tower is a versatile piece of Pilates equipment that uses spring resistance attached to a vertical frame. Tower exercises help improve strength, flexibility, posture, and alignment while providing both support and challenge.
What is the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates?
Mat Pilates uses your body weight and small props for resistance, while Reformer Pilates utilizes specialized equipment with adjustable springs to provide additional support and resistance. Both methods are rooted in the same Pilates principles and offer unique benefits.
What does "Equipment Class" mean?
Equipment Classes utilize Pilates apparatus such as the Reformer, Tower, and other specialized equipment. These classes provide a guided, full-body workout using spring resistance and require completion of an Evaluation Session and instructor clearance before participation.
Can I book a small group session?
Yes! Small group sessions are available for groups of 3-5 participants.
Because these sessions require customized scheduling, they cannot be booked online. Please call the studio for availability, scheduling, and pricing information.
Is there an age requirement?
There is no minimum age requirement. However, clients under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during their first visit so that all required paperwork and health history forms can be completed.
Is there a height requirement?
Our Reformers comfortably accommodate clients between approximately 4'11" and 6'6". There are no height requirements for mat-based classes.
Scheduling & Booking
How do I register for a class?
Classes can be booked through your Mindbody account, the Mindbody app, or directly through our website.
How do I book using the Mindbody app?
Download the Mindbody app, create or log into your account, search for The Pilates Connexion, and select the class you'd like to attend. If you're new to the studio, please make sure you've completed any required prerequisites before registering for equipment classes.
I'm trying to register for an equipment class, but I see a message saying I have not completed the required pre-requisite. What does this mean?
All Equipment Classes (Reformer, Tower, and Combo Classes) require completion of at least one Evaluation Session and instructor clearance before online registration is permitted.
If you have completed an Evaluation Session but are still unable to register, please contact the studio for assistance.
I have a package or membership, but I can't book a class. What should I do?
First, log into your Mindbody account and review your active pricing options.
Common reasons you may be unable to register include:
• Your package or membership has expired
• All sessions within your package have been used
• Remaining sessions are already reserved for future appointments
• A prerequisite requirement has not yet been completed
View your MindBody Account Details Here
If you're still unable to book, please contact the studio and we'll be happy to help.
I received a gift certificate. How do I schedule?
Please call the studio to schedule your appointment.
Gift certificates must be presented at the time of your visit for redemption. If we do not have a record of the gift certificate, we may ask that it be brought to the studio prior to scheduling.
Memberships, Pricing & Gift Certificates
Is Pilates expensive?
The price of health and wellness shouldn't be judged with a monetary value. Pilates will help to improve the overall quality of life just by being aware of your body and how you treat it. You will save drastically on the cost of doctor visits and medication costs by using Pilates to help eliminate disease and injury. Most people come off certain medications once they commit and stick with regular practice. We believe that is priceless. We can help you find the best options based on your budget, just call us!
How much does a class cost?
We offer a variety of packages, memberships, private sessions, and group class options to accommodate different goals and schedules.
Please visit our Services & Pricing page for current rates and membership options.
You can also purchase packages and memberships through our Online Store.
Click here go to our Online Store
How do I become a member?
Memberships can be purchased online through our Online Store or directly at the studio.
Click here to view memership options
Do you offer student discounts?
Yes! Students receive 10% off service purchases.
A valid student ID must be presented during the first discounted purchase. A copy of the ID will be stored securely on the client's Mindbody account, and a discount code will be provided for future online purchases.
Please note that the student discount applies to services only and does not apply to retail merchandise.
Are gift certificates available for purchase?
Yes! Gift certificates can be purchased online or directly at the studio and make a wonderful gift for anyone interested in starting or continuing their Pilates practice.
Studio Policies & Information
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
If a cancellation occurs within the 24-hour cancellation window, the session or class credit used to reserve the appointment will be forfeited. Clients who have not prepaid will be charged as if they attended the appointment.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
A $45 no-show fee is required before a missed appointment can be rescheduled.
What should I do if I need to cancel a booking?
Appointments may be cancelled through your Mindbody account prior to the 24-hour cancellation deadline. If you experience difficulty cancelling online, please contact the studio as soon as possible.
Where are you located?
The Pilates Connexion is located at:
15 S Chester Road
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Is parking available?
Yes. Metered street parking is available directly in front of the studio and throughout Swarthmore Town Center.
Parking rates are currently $0.50 per 30 minutes and can be paid using Passport Parking.